WO2022043885A2

WO2022043885A2 - A rain garment

Info

Publication number: WO2022043885A2
Application number: PCT/IB2021/057781
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Shutter
Original assignee: Andrew Shutter
Priority date: 2020-08-26
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2022-03-03
Also published as: GB2598329A; GB202013345D0; WO2022043885A3; EP4203738A2

Abstract

Cyclists are often exposed to the elements, and without suitable protection are therefore susceptible to cold, precipitation and/or dirt when cycling in unfavourable weather. Furthermore, a cyclist's level of activity, body geometry and speed can cause overheating and exacerbate the adverse effects of exposure to environmental conditions. The present rain garment allows leg portions 19 to be deployed when protection is required for the lower limbs, for example while cycling during a rain shower. When the leg portions 19 are no longer required, they may be retracted and stored within compartments 17. In particular, actuation via respective deployment mechanisms allows the wearer to extend/retract the leg portions 19 without directly touching the leg portions 19, which may become wet and/or dirty during use.

Description

A RAIN GARMENT

The present invention relates generally to a rain garment and a method of adjusting a rain garment and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in waterproof garments for cyclists.

Cyclists are often exposed to the elements, and without suitable protection are therefore susceptible to cold, precipitation and/or dirt when cycling in unfavourable weather. Furthermore, a cyclist’s level of activity, body geometry and speed can cause overheating and exacerbate the adverse effects of exposure to environmental conditions. Consequently, it is desirable to have a rain garment with adequate waterproofing and ventilation, which may be adjusted according to weather conditions. Waterproof garments for cyclists are known, including waterproof capes, trousers, and gaiters. These separate garments can be cumbersome to carry when not required for cycling, and awkward to store when wet.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rain garment comprising: a waterproof upper portion for covering a wearer’s upper body; two waterproof leg portions, each leg portion for covering a respective lower limb of the wearer; and a respective deployment mechanism attached to each leg portion; wherein actuation of each deployment mechanism causes the respective attached leg portion to be moved between an extended position in which the respective lower limb of the wearer is covered, and a retracted position in which the respective attached leg portion is received within a compartment in the upper portion.

In this way, the rain garment may be adjusted according to the requirements of the wearer and/or the weather conditions. The leg portions may be deployed when protection is required for the lower limbs, for example while cycling during a rain shower. When the leg portions are no longer required, they may be retracted and stored within the compartments. Consequently, the wearer need not carry separate leg protection as the leg portions may be carried within the compartments while wearing the upper portion. Furthermore, the inclusion of the deployment mechanisms allows the wearer to extend/retract the leg portions without directly touching a lower portion of the leg portions, which may become wet and/or dirty during use. This allows for simple adjustment of the rain garment and avoids the wearer’s hands becoming wet and/or dirty when adjusting the rain garment.

Waterproof may mean completely and/or partially impervious to water. Alternatively, waterproof may mean water resistant for a period of time or level of exposure. The extent of waterproofing of the garment may be tailored to suit its intended use. For example, the garment may comprise higher levels of waterproofing in exposed areas such as the shoulders, with lower levels of waterproofing in areas such as under the arms. The tailoring of the waterproofing may be done to increase breathability of the fabric.

The garment may comprise a waterproof material, such as polyurethane coated nylon, wax-impregnated cotton, Gore-Tex (RTM), Pertex (RTM), Ventile (RTM), and/or any other suitable material. Covering may mean completely or partially overlaying. A portion of the rain garment covering a portion of the wearer may be immediately adjacent to that portion of the wearer, or may be spaced or offset from that portion of the wearer.

The upper portion may be or comprise a cape, coat, jacket or poncho, or a hybrid form of any of these garments.

The garment may comprise sleeves, wherein each sleeve is configured to cover an arm of a wearer. Alternatively, or additionally, the upper portion may comprise sleeves for covering the wearer’s arms. In some examples, each sleeve may be configured to, in use, partially or fully cover the arm of the wearer. More specifically, each sleeve may be configured to, in use, fully cover the arm of the wearer between the shoulder and the wrist or hand of the wearer. Alternatively, the upper portion may be constructed in a way that covers the wearer’s arms without sleeves. The upper portion may comprise fastening means; for example, a zip, toggles, poppers, buttons and/or hook and loop fastener. The upper portion may comprise a hood for covering the wearer’s head. The hood may be attached to or integral with the upper portion.

In some examples, the upper portion may comprise a cape with the specific features described herein, such as in relation to the third aspect and the Figures. The upper portion may comprise a plurality of layers. For example, the upper portion may comprise an upper waterproof layer and a second layer, wherein the upper waterproof layer forms the first layer. The upper waterproof layer may comprise a waterproof cape or poncho. The second layer may be, or comprise portions that are, permeable to air, be more permeable to air than the upper waterproof layer, and/or allow for the passage of air therethrough. The second layer may be water resistant. The second layer may be or comprise a material, such as a known synthetic membrane, that is permeable to water vapour but not liquid water. In some examples, the second layer may be a synthetic membrane. The second layer may be arranged, in use, under the upper waterproof layer to provide the waterproof upper portion.

The second layer may be attached to the upper waterproof layer along one seam. One of the second layer and the upper waterproof layer may form a flap with respect to the other of the second layer and the upper waterproof layer. In some examples, the second layer may be arranged to, in use, rest flat against the torso. In some examples, the waterproof upper portion, or more specifically the upper waterproof layer, may be configured to releasably attach to sleeves such that, in use, arms of a wearer provide a physical support to the waterproof upper portion, or more specifically to the upper waterproof layer. In this way, the rain garment may be arranged to, in use, separate at least a portion of the upper waterproof layer from clothing that lays flat against the torso, such as the second layer. In some examples, the rain garment may be arranged to, in use, separate at least a portion of the waterproof upper portion from clothing that lays flat against the torso, such as a typical formal shirt or typical t-shirt to facilitate ventilation. In some examples, one end of the upper waterproof layer may be separated from the second layer and a second end of the upper waterproof layer may be in direct contact with the second layer. The garment may be configured such that, in use, the physical support combined with the releasable attachment holds the waterproof upper portion and/or upper waterproof layer firmly in position to limit the movement of the waterproof upper portion or upper waterproof layer, e.g. in windy conditions.

This garment may be especially well suited to cycling, wherein the wearer’s arms are typically extended out in front of their body, e.g. from the shoulders of the wearer to the handlebars in front of the wearer. In this way, forward motion of the wearer forces air under the upper waterproof layer, into and/or through the second layer to provide a cooling effect to the wearer without permitting the flow of liquid water. Forward motion of the user may be provided by, for example, running or cycling. In use, when the arms of a wearer are extended in front of them, the waterproof upper portion and/or upper waterproof layer may be held at an angle with respect to the torso of at least 10 degrees, at least 30 degrees, at least 50 degrees or at least 70 degrees.

The two waterproof leg portions and/or the respective deployment mechanisms and/or the compartment in the upper portion may be attached to the upper waterproof layer. Preferably, the two waterproof leg portions and/or the respective deployment mechanisms and/or the compartment in the upper portion may be attached to the upper waterproof layer.

The releasable attachment between the sleeves and the waterproof upper portion or upper waterproof layer may comprise at least one releasable attachment portion. At least one releasable attachment portion may comprise: one or more press studs; one or more snap fasteners; one or more zips; one or more toggles; one or more buttons; and one or more hooks. The releasable attachment may be configured to releasably couple a central portion or mid-point of a sleeve of the garment to the waterproof upper portion or, more specifically, to the upper waterproof layer. One or two sleeves of the garment may comprise a releasable attachment portion. The waterproof upper portion and/or the upper waterproof layer may comprise a releasable attachment portion. The releasable attachment portion, or portions, of the sleeves may be configured to releasably attach to corresponding releasable attachment portions on the waterproof upper portion and/or the upper waterproof layer.

The waterproof upper portion and/or the upper waterproof layer may be configured such that, in use, they do not extend beyond a releasable attachment, or releasable attachment portion, of the sleeve of the garment by more than 5%, 15%, 25%, 35%, or 50% of the length of the sleeve. In this way, the waterproof upper portion and/or the upper waterproof layer is sized to ensure that it is held firmly in position by the releasable connection in use such that the airflow to the torso of the wearer is maximised. The waterproof upper portion and/or the upper waterproof layer may comprise a releasable attachment, or releasable attachment portion, that corresponds to a releasable attachment, or releasable attachment portion, of the sleeve of the garment.

In use, a first end of a sleeve is closer to the shoulder of a user than a second end of a sleeve. The waterproof upper portion and/or the upper waterproof layer may comprise a releasable attachment, or releasable attachment portion, that is a first distance from the first end of the sleeve, and the sleeve of the garment may comprise a releasable attachment, or releasable attachment portion, that is a second distance from first end of the sleeve. In some examples, the first distance may be the same as the second distance. In some examples, the first distance may be within 10%, 20% or 30% of the second distance.

Each leg portion may cover part of the lower limb of the wearer. Alternatively, a leg portion may cover an entire lower limb of the wearer, extending to their foot. A leg portion may cover only the top of the foot, may partially or entirely enclose the foot, or alternatively may not cover the foot but may only cover a wearer’s leg to their ankle. Each leg portion may comprise fastening means; for example, a zip, toggles, poppers, buttons and/or hook and loop fastener. The fastening means may be arranged for adjusting the dimensions of the leg portions, for example their length, width and/or breadth. The fastening means may be arranged to engage with the wearer’s footwear. Each leg portion may be arranged separately from the other leg portion. Alternatively, the leg portions may be arranged as a single piece that covers both lower limbs of the wearer, and may therefore have no fastening means. Each leg portion may include means for adjusting its fit on a user’s leg or shoe, such as a toggle/tightening cord and/or elastic.

The deployment mechanisms may be removably attachable to the leg portions.

Each deployment mechanism may be attached to a lower extremity of the respective leg potion (e.g. foot, ankle, sole, toe, etc.), and may extend to the respective compartment (for example, through the respective compartment or adjacent thereto). In this way, deployment may be effected using the deployment mechanism and without the wearer physically touching the leg portions, or more specifically the lower end of the leg portions. This removes the need for a wearer to manipulate the leg portions, which can become wet and muddy in use, with their hands. At least a portion of the deployment mechanism is configured to be protected from rain and mud, for example, by the respective compartment and/or by being otherwise disposed within the rain garment. In some examples, at least a portion of each respective deployment mechanism is configured to be protected from rain and mud by the respective compartment and/or by being otherwise disposed within the rain garment when the respective attached leg portion is in arranged in an extended position in which the respective lower limb of the wearer is covered.

The deployment mechanisms may each comprise an elongate member.

The deployment mechanisms may be at least partially rigid (e.g. only partially rigid, or fully rigid) to enable effective extension and/or retraction of the leg portions. Alternatively, the deployment mechanisms may be inflexible. The deployment mechanisms may comprise a stick and/or rod. Actuation of the deployment mechanism may comprise longitudinal movement thereof. Actuation of each deployment mechanism may mean pushing/pulling each deployment mechanism in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of each deployment mechanism. This direction may also be substantially perpendicular to a bottom hem of the upper portion of the rain garment and/or parallel to a largest axial dimension of each compartment.

The deployment mechanisms may rely on gravity for deployment. For example, the weight of the leg portion may act to pull the leg portion out of the compartment. The deployment mechanism may be configured to releasably hold the leg portion in the compartment against gravity. In particular, the leg portion may include a weighted part (e.g. of a higher density than other parts of the leg portion) on a lower extremity thereof; for example, a forming and/or part of a sole or toe piece.

The deployment mechanisms may be pliable. In this way, the deployment mechanisms may be integrated with the rain garment without adversely affecting the comfort of the wearer. The deployment mechanisms may comprise textile, string and/or cord. For example, a user may pull the textile, string and/or cord to pull the leg portion into the compartment. The deployment mechanism may include means for holding the textile, string and/or cord in place (e.g. a toggle, buckle, fastener, clip, etc.). The textile, string and/or cord may be attached to the weighted part.

The deployment mechanisms may each comprise a plurality of articulated members. The plurality of articulated members may comprise a plurality of completely or partially rigid members attached to one another by flexible means. In this way, the mechanism of deployment of the plurality of articulated members may resemble that of a roman blind. The plurality of articulated members may comprise a cord or deployment member. Movement of the cord or deployment member may cause the plurality of articulated members to fold or unfold.

The deployment mechanisms may comprise a variety of materials depending on the degree of rigidity required or methodology used for extension and retraction of the leg portions, such materials may include plastic, polychloroprene, polyurethane or naturally occurring substances such as flexible bamboo and/or other pliable materials.

The length of the deployment mechanisms may be adjustable. In this way, the wearer may adjust the length of the deployment mechanisms corresponding to their height, and/or the length of their lower limbs. For example, the deployment mechanisms may be elastic, telescopic, modular, jointed and/or foldable. In alternative embodiments, the length of the deployment mechanisms may be fixed.

Extension and retraction of a leg portion may be complete, such that the entire length of the leg portion is extended or retracted from the upper portion. Alternatively, extension and retraction of a leg portion may be partial, such that a partial length of the leg portion is extended or retracted from the upper portion.

Receipt within the compartment may mean a leg portion is completely or partially enclosed by the compartment. Each compartment may comprise attachment means for securing a respective leg portion, for example: elastic; hook and loop fastener; buttons; and/or poppers.

The leg portions may be removably attachable to the upper portion. In this way, the leg portions may be attached to and/or removed from the upper portion depending on whether they are required. For example, if the wearer is expecting poor weather, the leg portions may be attached to the upper portion to be carried in the compartments and later extended to cover the wearer’s lower limbs. Conversely, if the wearer is expecting good weather, the leg portions may be detached from the upper portion, thereby making the rain garment lighter and less bulky.

In alternative embodiments, the leg portions may be permanently attached to the upper portion.

The compartments may be removably attachable to the upper portion. In this way, the compartments may be attached to and/or removed from the upper portion depending on whether they are required for storing the leg portions. In alternative embodiments, the compartments may be permanently attached to the upper portion.

Each compartment may have an opening on its lower edge. The lower edge of a compartment may be an edge adjacent to a hem of the rain garment, that is an edge proximal to a wearer’s legs, in use. The compartment may be sealable, for instance by hook-and-loop fastener, zipper, button, press-studs or any other conventional means. The compartment may therefore hold the leg portion in by virtue of the seal. In alternative embodiments, the leg portion may be held in the compartment(s) by friction and/or by the deployment mechanism.

The compartments may be resiliently expandable. In this way, the compartments may expand to accommodate the leg portions therein. When the compartments are not used to store the leg portions, the compartments may contract so as to contribute minimal volume to the silhouette of the rain garment. The compartments may comprise resilient and/or elastic material. In alternative embodiments, the compartments may have fixed dimensions.

The upper portions and the leg portions may be articulated with each other. In this way, the wearer’s movement may be relatively unrestricted while the upper portion is arranged to cover their upper body and the leg portions are arranged to cover their lower limbs. Alternatively, the upper portions and the leg portions may be fixedly attached to one another.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of adjusting a rain garment, the method comprising the steps of: providing the rain garment of the first aspect; and actuating each deployment mechanism to cause the respective attached leg portion to be moved between an extended position in which the respective lower limb of the wearer is covered, and a retracted position in which the respective attached leg portion is received within a compartment in the upper portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rain garment comprising: a waterproof cape portion for covering a wearer’s upper torso; two waterproof sleeves, each sleeve for covering a respective arm of the wearer, and configured to extend between a shoulder and a wrist of the wearer; and for each respective sleeve, a respective coupling device for releasably coupling a central portion or mid-point of the respective sleeve to the cape portion.

In this way, in cold weather a wearer may allow the cape to hang down against their torso; however, in warmer weather, the wearer may connect the cape to the sleeves such that the cape is held away from the torso to enable air to flow thereunder. In either case, rain is prevented from penetrating under the cape portion.

The cape portion may be configured to cover the wearer’s upper torso and/or entire torso and/or upper legs. The upper torso may comprise the chest and/or ribcage of the wearer. The entire torso may comprise the central part of the body from which extends other features of the body, such as a neck and limbs.

The mid-point of each sleeve may be precisely or approximately equidistant from the shoulder and wrist of the wearer; however, in preferred embodiments, the mid-point may be anywhere between 30% of the distance from the shoulder toward the wrist, up to the wrist. In particular, the mid-point may comprise or be substantially level with an elbow of a wearer and/or between an elbow and the corresponding wrist of the wearer. The midpoint of the sleeve may be the central portion of the sleeve located at least thirty percent of the length of the sleeve away from either end of the sleeve. In some examples, if the sleeve is 60cm in length, the central portion may be at least 20cm from the end of the sleeve nearest the wearer’s shoulder in use, and at least 20cm from the end of the sleeve nearest the wearer’s hand in use.

The rain garment may further comprise a second layer, wherein the waterproof cape portion forms the first layer. The second layer may be permeable to air, be more permeable to air than the waterproof cape portion, and/or allow for the passage of air therethrough. The second layer may be water resistant. The second layer may be or comprise a material, such as a known synthetic membrane, that is permeable to water vapour but not liquid water. In some examples, the second layer may be a synthetic membrane. The second layer may be arranged, in use, under the waterproof cape portion to provide the waterproof upper portion.

The second layer may be attached to the waterproof cape portion along one seam. One of the second layer and the waterproof cape portion may form a flap with respect to the other of the second layer and the waterproof cape portion. In some examples, the second layer may be arranged to, in use, rest flat against the torso. In some examples, the waterproof cape portion may be configured to releasably attach to each of the waterproof sleeves such that, in use, arms of a wearer provide a physical support to the waterproof cape portion. In this way, the rain garment may be arranged to, in use, separate at least a portion of the waterproof cape portion from clothing that lays flat against the torso, such as the second layer or a typical t-shirt, to facilitate ventilation. In some examples, one end of the waterproof cape portion may be separated from the second layer and a second end of the waterproof cape portion may be in direct contact with the second layer. The garment may be configured such that, in use, the physical support combined with the releasable attachment holds the waterproof cape portion firmly in position to limit the movement of the waterproof cape portion, e.g. in windy conditions.

This garment may be especially well suited to cycling, wherein the wearer’s arms are typically extended out in front of their body, e.g. from the shoulders of the wearer to the handlebars in front of the wearer. In this way, forward motion of the wearer forces air under the upper waterproof layer, into and/or through the second layer to provide a cooling effect to the wearer without permitting the flow of liquid water. Forward motion of the user may be provided by, for example, running or cycling. In use, when the arms of a wearer are extended in front of them, the waterproof cape portion may be held at an angle with respect to the torso of at least 10 degrees, at least 30 degrees, at least 50 degrees or at least 70 degrees.

The releasable attachment between the sleeves and the waterproof cape portion may comprise at least one releasable attachment portion. At least one releasable attachment portion may comprise: one or more press studs; one or more snap fasteners; one or more zips; one or more toggles; one or more buttons; and one or more hooks. The releasable attachment may be configured to releasably couple a central portion or mid-point of a sleeve of the garment to the waterproof cape portion. One or two sleeves of the garment may comprise a releasable attachment portion. The waterproof cape portion may comprise a releasable attachment portion. The releasable attachment portion, or portions, of the sleeves may be configured to releasably attach to corresponding releasable attachment portions on the waterproof cape portion.

The waterproof cape portion may be configured such that, in use, it does not extend beyond a releasable attachment, or releasable attachment portion, of the sleeve of the garment by more than 5%, 15%, 25%, 35%, or 50% of the length of the sleeve. In this way, the waterproof cape portion is sized to ensure that it is held firmly in position by the releasable connection in use such that the airflow to the torso of the wearer is maximised. The waterproof cape portion may comprise a releasable attachment, or releasable attachment portion, that corresponds to a releasable attachment, or releasable attachment portion, of the sleeve of the garment.

The waterproof cape portion may comprise a releasable attachment, or releasable attachment portion, that is a first distance from the first end of the sleeve, and the sleeve of the garment may comprise a releasable attachment, or releasable attachment portion, that is a second distance from first end of the sleeve. In some examples, the first distance may be the same as the second distance. In some examples, the first distance may be within 10%, 20% or 30% of the second distance.

In some examples, the waterproof cape portion may be configured to extend between the armpits of a wearer such that, in use, it does not cover the arms of a wearer. In some examples, the waterproof cape may be configured to surround the shoulders of a wearer such that, in use, it covers at least a portion of the arms of the user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of adjusting a rain garment, the method comprising the steps of: providing the rain garment of any preceding claim; and releasably coupling a mid-point of each respective sleeve to the cape portion.

An uppermost part of the cape portion may be adjusted to create space between the cape portion and the top of the shoulders of the wearer to further facilitate air flow between the cape portion and the wearer.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a rain garment comprising: two waterproof sleeves, each sleeve configured to provide a tubular portion for receiving an arm of the wearer; the tubular portion of each sleeve configured to extend between a shoulder and a wrist of the wearer; each sleeve comprising a respective coupling device for releasably coupling a central portion or a mid-point of the sleeve to a waterproof cape portion; and wherein the coupling device of each sleeve is disposed on a portion of the respective sleeve comprising the tubular portion and each respective tubular portion is configured to, in use, receive an arm of the wearer to form a physical support that separates the cape from the torso of the wearer when the arms of the wearer are angled away from the torso and the cape portion is coupled to the sleeve.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

is front view of a rain garment.

is a rear view of the rain garment of .

is a front view of the rain garment of being worn by a person.

is a rear view of the rain garment of being worn by a person.

is a front view of the rain garment of being worn by a person while cycling.

is a rear view of the rain garment of being worn by a person while cycling.

is an interior view of a net of a rain garment.

comprises views of a rain garment.

The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Likewise, method steps described or claimed in a particular sequence may be understood to operate in a different sequence.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term “connected”, used in the description, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device A connected to a device B” should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. “Connected” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular feature, structure or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term “at least one” may mean only one in certain circumstances. The use of the term “any” may mean “all” and/or “each” in certain circumstances.

The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

is a front view of a rain garment comprising an upper portion 1 composed of two respective sleeves 3, a cape portion 5, and a jacket portion 7. Each sleeve 3 may include an elasticated cuff 9 configured to seal around the wrist and/or thumb of a wearer. The jacket portion includes pockets 11 for conventional storage of items. For clarity a hood is not shown, but may be added in a conventional manner.

The jacket portion 7 includes a split 13 up the rear, which may be sealed by way of fasteners (e.g. buttons) 15.

Inside the jacket portion 7, and adjacent a lower hem thereof, are two compartments 17 inside which a respective leg portion 19 may be stored. The leg portions 19, when extended for use, extend between a foot of the wearer and the hem of the jacket portion 7; in this case, at knee height, but the exact position on the wearer depends on the relative length of the jacket portion 7. Each compartment 17 has an opening 21 along a lower edge thereof for removal of the respective leg portion 19 therefrom.

Coupling devices 23 are provided between each sleeve 3 and the cape portion 5 to releasably couple the cape portion 5 to the sleeves 3.

is a rear view of the rain garment of . A split 25 in the rear of the leg portion 19 can be seen, which allows a user’s leg to be inserted laterally therein, in addition to the conventional longitudinal manner for putting on legwear. also shows a sole 27 for the leg portion 19, onto which a user’s shoe may be placed. However, in alternative embodiments, the sole 27 may be removed to allow the user’s own shoe sole to contact the ground and/or bicycle pedal. In other embodiments the sole leg portions do not cover the entire shoe/foot of the wearer, but rather terminate at the ankle or partially over a user’s shoe upper.

is a front view of the rain garment of being worn by a person 29, with both leg portions 19 deployed.

is a rear view of the rain garment of being worn by the person 29. In this view, the top 31 of the leg portions 19 can be seen, as can a zipper 33 arranged at the top of each seam 25.

is a front view of the rain garment of being worn by the person 29 while riding a bicycle 33.

is a rear view of the rain garment of being worn by the person 29 while riding a bicycle 33.

is an interior view of a net of a rain garment. The garment may comprise a coat loop 702 and a care label 704. The upper portion 730 may comprise one or more

releasable closures

706, 708. The

releasable closures

706, 708 may comprise releasable attachment portions, such as snap fasteners 706 and/or a zip 708.

The upper portion and/or leg portion may comprise

reinforcement members

712, 714 when interfacing with a portion of the deployment mechanism to prevent bunching or gathering of the garment at the interface. The leg portion 718 may be retracted in the direction 716 into the compartments 710 in the upper portion 730. The compartments 710 may be covered by an internal panel 724 to shield the wearer, in use, against retracted leg portions.

The hemline 720 of the upper portion may also comprise a reinforcement member. The garment may comprise a pleat, such as a box pleat 722 to enable the garment to fit a wider range of potential wearers.

Extension and retraction of a leg portion may be complete and/or partial, such that a partial length of the leg portion is extended or retracted from the upper portion 730. The deployment mechanism 726, for deploying the leg portion(s), may comprise a cord or deployment member. The extension and retraction of the leg portion may be held in a retracted or partially extended position by a retaining member 728 such as a toggle cord lock, or a friction lock.

The upper portion 730 may comprise one or more portions 732, 734 that are permeable to air and/or allow for the passage of air therethrough. For example, the upper portion 730 may comprise a front portion 732 that is permeable to air and/or allows for the passage of air therethrough. Alternatively, or additionally, the upper portion 730 may comprise a rear portion 734 that is permeable to air and/or allows for the passage of air therethrough.

comprises views of a rain garment comprising a cape portion for covering the upper torso of a wearer.

View 816 shows an exterior view of the front of a cape portion. The cape portion 816 may comprise one or more releasable closures 802. The releasable closures 802 may comprise releasable attachment portions, such as snap fasteners 802. The cape portion may comprise a collar 814.

View 804 shows an exterior view of the rear of a cape portion. The rear of the cape portion may comprise a reflective logo 806 to improve the visibility of the wearer in use.

View 812 shows an interior view of the front of a cape portion. The interior of the front of the cape portion may comprise a releasable coupling 810, or releasable coupling portion 810 for releasably coupling a central portion or a mid-point of a respective sleeve to the cape portion. The releasable coupling 810, or releasable coupling portion 810, of the cape may be disposed on a reinforcement member 808.

comprises views of a rain garment. The views include a front exterior view 900 and a rear exterior view 920 of the rain garment. In some examples, the net of the rain garment in may be arranged to provide the rain garment depicted in .

The garment may be or comprise an upper portion 902. The garment may comprise a stand-up collar 906 to which a hood and/or cape may be attached. For example, the hood and/or cape may be attached by stitching 922. The stand-up collar may have one or more support members 904, such as bar tacks, resilient support members, or rigid support members. The stand-up collar 906 may provide releasable attachments to attach a hood and/or cape. The releasable attachments may comprise releasable attachment portions, such as snap fasteners and/or a zip. In some examples, the support members 904 may be directly adjacent to the releasable attachments or releasable attachment portions.

The garment and/or upper portion 902 may provide one or more releasable closures 910 to retain the garment around the wearer and/or protect the wearer from liquid water ingress through openings in the garment and/or upper portion 902. The one or more releasable closures 910 may comprise releasable attachment portions, such as snap fasteners, hook fasteners, releasable clips 918 and/or a zip. The one or more releasable closures 910 to retain the garment around the wearer and/or protect the wearer from liquid water ingress through openings in the garment and/or upper portion 902 may be provided separately to the upper portion, such as in the form of a belt 928. The garment, upper portion and/or belt may have size adjustment members 926 comprising releasable attachment portions, such as snap fasteners or buttons.

The sleeves of the garment and/or sleeves of the upper portion 902 may comprise releasable attachments 912 to attach cape as described herein. The releasable attachments may comprise releasable attachment portions, such as snap fasteners, toggles, and/or buttons. The releasable attachment portions may be on the exterior of the sleeve. That is, the releasable attachment portions may be on the opposite face of the sleeve to the arms of the wearer.

In some examples, the garment and/or upper portion 902 may comprise pockets 914. The pockets may have releasable closures to secure items within said pockets.

The hemline 916 of the garment or upper portion may also comprise a reinforcement member. The garment may comprise a pleat, such as a box pleat 930 to enable the garment to fit a wider range of potential wearers.

The upper portion 902 may comprise one or

more portions

908, 924 that are permeable to air and/or allow for the passage of air therethrough. For example, the upper portion 902 may comprise a front portion 908 that is permeable to air and/or allows for the passage of air therethrough. Alternatively, or additionally, the upper portion 902 may comprise a rear portion 924 that is permeable to air and/or allows for the passage of air therethrough.

Claims

A rain garment comprising:
a waterproof upper portion for covering a wearer’s upper body;
two waterproof leg portions, each leg portion for covering a respective lower limb of the wearer; and
a respective deployment mechanism attached to each leg portion;
wherein actuation of each deployment mechanism causes the respective attached leg portion to be moved between an extended position in which the respective lower limb of the wearer is covered, and a retracted position in which the respective attached leg portion is received within a compartment in the upper portion.
The rain garment according to claim 1, wherein each deployment mechanism comprises a rigid elongate member attached to a lower extremity of the respective leg potion, and extending to the respective compartment.
The rain garment according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each leg portion comprises a weighted part on a lower extremity thereof, and each deployment mechanism comprises a cord attached to the weighted part and extending to the respective compartment.
The rain garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the leg portions are removably attachable to the upper portion.
The rain garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the compartments are removably attachable to the upper portion.
The rain garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the deployment mechanisms are pliable.
The rain garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the deployment mechanisms is adjustable.
The rain garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the compartments are resiliently expandable.
The rain garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper portions and the leg portions are articulated with each other.
A method of adjusting a rain garment, the method comprising the steps of:
providing the rain garment of any preceding claim; and
actuating each deployment mechanism to cause the respective attached leg portion to be moved between an extended position in which the respective lower limb of the wearer is covered, and a retracted position in which the respective attached leg portion is received within a compartment in the upper portion.
A rain garment comprising:
a waterproof cape portion for covering a wearer’s upper torso;
two waterproof sleeves, each sleeve for covering a respective arm of the wearer, and configured to extend between a shoulder and a wrist of the wearer; and
wherein each respective sleeve comprises a respective coupling device for releasably coupling a central portion or a mid-point of the respective sleeve to the cape portion.
A method of adjusting a rain garment, the method comprising the steps of:
providing the rain garment of any preceding claim; and
releasably coupling the central portion or mid-point of each respective sleeve to the cape portion.
A rain garment comprising:
two waterproof sleeves, each sleeve configured to provide a tubular portion for receiving an arm of the wearer;
the tubular portion of each sleeve configured to extend between a shoulder and a wrist of the wearer;
each sleeve comprising a respective coupling device for releasably coupling a central portion or a mid-point of the sleeve to a waterproof cape portion; and wherein the coupling device of each sleeve is disposed on a portion of the respective sleeve comprising the tubular portion and each respective tubular portion is configured to, in use, receive an arm of the wearer to form a physical support that separates the cape from the torso of the wearer when the arms of the wearer are angled away from the torso and the cape portion is coupled to the sleeve.